You might have heard that dental implants are expensive, so you may be surprised to know that they are the most cost-effective solution to treat lost teeth. Unlike traditional tooth replacement methods, dental implants can last for decades. You’ll save money down the road because they don’t need to be replaced with the correct care, like brushing and flossing. You can invest in a long-lasting solution to treat your missing teeth without it costing you your life’s savings. Here’s how much you can expect to pay when budgeting for dental implants.
Cost of Dental Implants
No two mouths or situations are identical, so there’s no flat fee for dental implants. Many factors will affect your estimate, including:
- Consultation: A consultation with your implant dentist is your first step toward a complete smile. Besides a visual examination, they will also review a CT scan to have a complete picture of your dental health. They may perform other diagnostic services as well.
- Preparatory Procedures: Based on the results of your examination, you may require a little prep work before your placement surgery, like bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or tooth extractions.
- Placement Surgery: Titanium implant posts are surgically placed into your jaw to serve as new tooth roots. Sedation or anesthesia will be needed to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
- Number of Missing Teeth: If you’re replacing more than one tooth, you’re going to require multiple implants and abutments.
- Type of Restoration: Depending on the number of teeth you’re missing, you will require either a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
- Quality of the Materials: Choosing materials for your dental implants isn’t an area where you should pinch pennies. You’ll get what you pay for. Discounted materials may save money initially, but they may not have the same success rate. It’s better to invest in high-quality materials that are proven to last.
Options to Keep Dental Implants Affordable
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants requires a multi-step treatment process that can take many months. You can pay for each step as you go, so you don’t have to come up with a large amount of money at once. In addition, there are other ways to keep dental implants affordable, like:
- Dental Insurance: Your dental insurance may cover your consultation and diagnostic services. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance benefits may pay some of the costs of any preparatory procedures, your restoration, and other medically necessary aspects of your treatment plan.
- Financing: Based on your credit approval, you can make monthly installments on any out-of-pocket expenses through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
You can enjoy a complete, healthy smile using the next best thing to your real teeth. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm or a leg to fill the gaps in your smile.
About Dr. Sohee Kim
Dr. Kim earned her dental degree at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued her education in various specialties, including dental implants. She is affiliated with the American Dental Association, the Texas State Dental Association, and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (469) 209-4032.